Strengthening Weather and Climate Information Services: Highlights from PPCR-supported Projects
To effectively manage the risks associated with an uncertain and warming climate, information and understanding of the nature and magnitude of change in the hydrological and meteorological (hydromet) system is essential. Knowledge of short term (weather) and long-term (climate) variations and uncertainties is required to enable public and private sector organizations to make climate risk informed decisions. Fundamental to the provision of such information and knowledge is a well-functioning weather and climate information services (WCIS) system typically provided by a country’s national meteorological and hydrological services (NMHS).
Due to chronic under-investment in vital infrastructure and technical capabilities in developing countries, there is a considerable gap in the provision of WCIS. Many countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Climate Agreement identify strengthening climate services as a national priority for moving toward a low-carbon and climate resilient development pathway. Despite the apparent need for investment in WCIS to effectively address the adverse impacts of climate change, developing countries (which are often at higher risk) are confronted with national budgetary constraints. As a result, notable disparities exist in the level of spending on WCIS among country groups of different economic development status.
To address this disparity, and in response to the requests of partner countries, the Climate Investment Funds (CIF), through its Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR), supports a portfolio of projects aimed at strengthening WCIS in developing countries. CIF has invested USD 202 million4 in PPCR financing to support WCIS-focused projects in various countries across Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Caribbean. These projects, either largely or exclusively focusing on WCIS, form integral parts of partner countries’ Strategic Program for Climate Resilience developed under the PPCR. Activities supported by PPCR cover all five components of a WCIS value chain.
- Observation and monitoring
- Data and information management
- Research, forecasting, and modeling
- Service development and delivery
- Training and capacity building
CIF support is unique in its country-driven and programmatic approach to planning and project development. It adopts an inclusive and participatory approach throughout the whole process.